Why Choose Ellmans?

As a patron at Ellman's Music Center, you would receive specialized, personal music services from our highly qualified and talented staff. Our teaching, repair, and store staff are all experts in their field and passionate about music. Ellman's Music Center offers rentals, lessons, and everything you need to be successful at affordable rates compared to similar businesses in the area. Our location in Naperville offers great convenience to the community. Ellman's is a space for individuals to connect with other musicians. By choosing Ellman's you are choosing to support a local business which, in turn, supports your community. Every client of Ellman's is a note in the melody of a thriving local economy.

Our History

Ellman's Music Center was founded in 1958 by Gil Ellman. For over fifty years we have remained committed to our founding philosophy: provide quality instruments from reputable manufacturers and stand behind those instruments by offering exceptional service.

Gil, a former professional saxophonist, apprenticed for several years with renowned Chicago repair technician Leo Cooper. His expertise landed him a job as instrument department manager at Chicago's Carl Fischer Music. Gil's wife, Joan, studied music education at DePaul University and taught music for more than 25 years.

Originally located in Chicago's Loop, we moved our store to Naperville in 1963. Our goal is to provide customers, whether student or professional, with the best possible tools to become accomplished musicians. It has been our privilege to provide thousands of people with the knowledge and skills needed for a fun, exciting, and successful musical experience.

Our Expertise

One of Ellman's greatest strengths is its knowledge of the needs of school music programs. As a major supplier to many area schools, we offer a complete line of high-quality school instruments from a wide variety of reputable manufacturers. Gil's extraordinary repair skills were a foundation for the business in 1958, and that legacy continues today. An award-winning, 4100 square-foot, on-site repair facility provides service for all band and orchestra instruments as well as guitars.

Music plays a vital role in the Ellman family. Gil and Joan's children, Mike, Sue, and Pete, grew up involved in the day-to-day operations of the store. When Gil and Joan had retired, Mike and Pete took over the store. Although Mike's untimely passing in March of 2023 has left a hole, the 3rd generation has stepped up. Mike's son, Michael is the brass and woodwind repair shop supervisor.

The Ellman's Music Center staff offers instruction and expertise in a wide range of band and orchestra instruments at all ages and levels. We are well-versed in the difficult choices musicians and musicians' parents must make. We are a school band and orchestra dealer. We provide students, parents, and schools with everything they need to have a successful musical experience. Including: rentals and sales, repair of band and orchestra instruments, and private music lessons.

Charitable Causes

The Gil Ellman Memorial Fund

Ellman's Music would like to see every child have the opportunity to be involved in the wonderful world of music. For that reason, in May of 2010, the Ellman family set up the Gil Ellman Memorial Fund through the Naperville Education Foundation. The purpose of this fund is to give students who cannot afford an instrument the opportunity to have rich and exciting musical experiences. Donations to the Gil Ellman Memorial Fund can be sent to Ellman's Music Center - 508 W. 5th Ave. - Naperville, IL 60563 or NEF - 203 W. Hillside Rd. - Naperville, IL 60540. Make checks payable to: Gil Ellman Memorial Fund.

GIFTS program (Giving Instruments For Teaching Students)

GIFTS is a program of the Pete Ellman Big Band NFP that provides musical instruments to up-and-coming Chicagoland youth who otherwise would be unable to acquire an instrument on their own. We want more youth to have the opportunity to become music students!
In January of 2009 the Pete Ellman Big Band NFP was established with the mission of providing a place for students to listen to and perform big band music. In addition, they have provided numerous clinicians to schools to work with students prior to their performance. Schools from all over northern Illinois join the Pete Ellman Big Band each school year.
For more information on the GIFTS program and The Pete Ellman Big Band NFP visit pebb.net

Peter Ellman

Our owner and President, Peter Ellman, has worked full time at Ellman’s Music Center since 1985, having worked in nearly every position in the company, from repairman to teacher to outside sales representative to purchasing agent to janitor. With that kind of overall experience, he has a uniquely complete vision on how to run the business.

Pete continues to play professionally and has performed with nationally known artists such as Wayne Newton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Bob Newhart, Chicago Sinfonietta, and many more. Being a trumpet player, Pete’s favorite artist to date has been world renowned trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.

Pete attended DePaul University where he majored in Music Performance. Pete attends many industry specific and financial seminars including NASMD, NAPBIRT, and NAMM. He sits on the board of the Naperville Municipal Band.